Outdoor sunshade and assembly

ABSTRACT

An outdoor sunshade that has at least one frame, wherein the frame comprises: a front frame member, two side frame members, and a rear frame member. The frame may also have one or more support frame members positioned at the shortest distance across the frame. The frame may also have a plurality of U-shaped connectors coupled only to two opposing sides of the frame, a plurality of L-shaped connectors coupled to a bottom surface of the frame, and solar screen material coupled to and stretched within the at least one frame. The outdoor sunshade may be hingedly mounted to a wall by a mounting assembly. And one or more sunshades may be hingedly coupled together, depending upon the size of the area that needs to be covered.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application in general relates to sunshades, and more specifically, to an outdoor sunshade and assembly.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor sunshades are not only useful for keeping people cool, but they are especially helpful for keeping outdoor equipment, such as pool equipment, cool as well. In certain areas that experience extreme heat, like Arizona, prolonged sun exposure may cause damage to people, animals, machinery, and other equipment left outside. Most of the outdoor sunshades, however, are bulky in construction and are not very aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an outdoor sunshade and assembly that is effective in providing shade and that is also pleasing in appearance.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an outdoor sunshade is disclosed. The outdoor sunshade comprises: at least one frame; a plurality of U-shaped connectors coupled only to two opposing sides of the at least one frame; a plurality of L-shaped connectors coupled to a bottom surface of the at least one frame; and material coupled to and stretched within the at least one frame.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an outdoor sunshade is disclosed. The outdoor sunshade comprises: at least one frame, wherein the at least one frame comprises: a front frame member; two side frame members; a rear frame member; and at least one support flame member positioned a shortest distance across a middle portion of the at least one frame; a plurality of U-shaped connectors coupled only to two opposing sides of the at least one frame; a plurality of L-shaped connectors coupled to a bottom surface of the at least one frame; and solar screen material coupled to and stretched within the at least one frame.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an outdoor sunshade assembly is disclosed. The outdoor sunshade assembly comprises: at least one sunshade, each sunshade comprising: a frame comprising: a front frame member; two side frame members; a rear frame member; and at least one support frame member positioned a shortest distance across a middle portion of the frame; wherein one end of each side frame member is positioned perpendicularly to the front frame member and wherein another end of each side frame member is positioned perpendicularly to the rear frame member; a plurality of U-shaped connectors coupled only to two opposing sides of the frame; a plurality of L-shaped connectors coupled to a bottom surface of the frame; and solar screen material coupled to and stretched within the frame; and a mounting assembly for mounting the at least one sunshade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present application is further detailed with respect to the following drawings. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present application, but rather, illustrate certain attributes thereof.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor sunshade assembly according to one aspect of the present invention, shown in use with outdoor pool pump equipment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the outdoor sunshade assembly of FIG. 1, shown in a retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an outdoor sunshade assembly according to one aspect of the present invention, shown in use with outdoor pool pump equipment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the outdoor sunshade assembly of FIG. 3, shown in a raised position;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an outdoor sunshade according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view the outdoor sunshade of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the outdoor sunshade of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the outdoor sunshade of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the outdoor sunshade of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the outdoor sunshade of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 1-10 together show an outdoor sunshade 12 and assembly 10 according to one aspect of the present invention. In its simplest form, the outdoor sunshade assembly 10 may comprise a sunshade 12 and a mounting assembly 14. The sunshade 12 may be hingedly coupled to the mounting assembly 14 so that the sunshade may be raised/lowered or retracted/extended into place. Any suitable type mounting assembly 14 may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the outdoor sunshade assembly 10 may comprise a sunshade 12 or a plurality of sunshades 12 coupled together. The number of sunshades 12 may vary according to the size of the space that a user wishes to cover with the outdoor sunshade assembly 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the outdoor sunshade assembly 10 may comprise two sunshades 12 a/12 b. A first sunshade 12 a is shown coupled proximate a wall and a second sunshade 12 b is shown coupled to the first sunshade 12 a. In this example, the sunshade assembly 10 is shown covering pool pump equipment. It should be clearly understood, however, that the sunshade assembly 10 may be used to cover anything that may benefit from shade. The second sunshade 12 b may be hingedly coupled to the first sunshade 12 a so that the sunshade assembly 10 may alternate between an extended position (see FIG. 1) to cover the pool pump equipment and a retracted position (see FIG. 2) to allow a user access to the pool pump equipment. The first sunshade 12 a may then be hingedly coupled to the wall via the mounting assembly 14. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, when the sunshade assembly 10 is in the extended position, the sunshades 12 a/12 b may be level with a top surface of the walls; this provides a smooth and even look.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4, the sunshade assembly 10 may have a single sunshade 12. In this embodiment, the sunshade 12 may be coupled proximate the wall by a mounting assembly 14. As shown, the sunshade 12 may be hingedly coupled to the wall so that the sunshade 12 may alternate between an open position (see FIG. 4) and a closed position (FIG. 3). As mentioned above and shown in FIG. 3, when the sunshade assembly 10 is in the lowered position, the sunshade 12 preferably may be level with the top surface of the walls to provide a smooth and even look.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9, an exemplary sunshade 12 is shown. The sunshade 12 may have a frame 16 that comprises a front frame member 18, a rear frame member 20 and two side frame members 22. The frame 16 may be constructed of aluminum or any other suitable material. As shown, the front frame member 18 may be positioned opposite the rear frame member 20 and the two side frame members 22 may be positioned perpendicularly to both the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20. The ends 24 of each of the side frame members 22 may directly abut and be positioned flush with the inner surfaces 19 of the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20. Furthermore, the outer surface 25 of each of the side frame members 22 may be level and aligned with the ends 24 of the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20.

Referring again to FIGS. 3-4, the frame 16 may also have one or more support frame members 36 that are positioned across a middle portion of the frame 16. For outdoor sunshades 12 of larger size, the support frame members 36 may provide additional support and stability to the frame 16. The ends 24 of each support frame member 36 may be positioned perpendicular to and may directly abut the inner surfaces 19 of front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20 or, in an alternative embodiment, the ends 24 of each support frame member 36 may be positioned perpendicular to and directly abut the inner surfaces 19 of the side frame members 22. In the embodiment shown, the support frame member 36 may be positioned across the shortest distance of the sunshade 12. For example, as shown, the side frame members 18 may be shorter in length than the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20. Therefore, the support frame member 36 is positioned across the shortest distance of the sunshade 12, which in this case, happens to be parallel to the side frame members 22 and perpendicular to the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20. It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial benefit may also be derived from the support frame members 36 being positioned across the longest distance of the sunshade 12, which in this case would mean that the support frame members 36 may be parallel to the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20 and perpendicular to the side frame members 36.

The front frame member 18, rear frame member, 20, and side frame members 22 may each have a channel 26 (see FIGS. 5, 6, and 9) formed therein that extends along the length of the top surface 21 of each of the front frame member 18, rear frame member 20, and side frame members 22. As shown, the channels 26 may be positioned proximate the inner surface 19 of each of front frame member 18, rear frame member 20, and side frame members 22. A plurality of locking strips 28 may be used to secure a length of solar screen material 30 to the front frame member 18, rear frame member 20, and side frame members 22. As shown, each locking strip 28 may be sized to be inserted into a channel 26 and is used to secure a portion of the solar screen material 30 to its respective frame member 18, 20, and 22. Here, the solar screen material 30 may first be laid over a channel 26, then a locking strip 28 may be set on top of the solar screen material 30 (or wrapped within or otherwise coupled to a portion of the solar screen material 30), and then the locking strip 28 and the portion of the solar screen material 30 engaged by the locking strip 28 may be pressed into the channel 26. The locking strip 28 and the portion of the solar screen material 30 engaged by the locking strip 28 frictionally engage the inside of the channel 26, thereby holding the solar screen material 30 in place and stretched between the frame members 18, 20, and 22. The locking strip 28 may be made of plastic, rubber, or any other suitable material. Preferably, since the locking strip 28 is positioned on the top surface 21 of the front frame member 18, rear frame member 20, and side frame members 22, the locking strip 28 may preferably be weather-proof and able to withstand extended sun exposure.

The solar screen material 30 may be made of fabric, mesh, or any other solar screen fabric, such as EASY GARDENER sun screen fabric, that may provide shade. Preferably, the solar screen material 30 may offer about 75% Ultraviolet (UV) light protection.

A plurality of U-shaped connectors 34 may be used to couple the side frame members 22 to the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20. As shown, the U-shaped connectors 34 may be coupled to the frame 16 at the junctions where the end 24 of a side frame member 22 perpendicularly abuts the inner surface 19 of the front frame member 18 and the inner surface 19 of the rear frame member 20. Both of the side frame members 22 may be coupled to the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20 in this manner. The U-shaped connectors 34 may therefore cover the ends 24 of the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 18 and the ends 24 of the side frame members 22 may be covered by the inner surface 19 of the front frame member 18 and the inner surface 19 of the rear frame member 20. This configuration allows the front frame member 18 (as well as the rear frame member 20) to appear smooth, which may be aesthetically pleasing when the frame 16 is viewed from the front or the rear (see FIG. 7). The frame 16 may be positioned so that it is the front frame member 18 (or the rear frame member 20) that may be viewed by users/passersby and so that the U-shaped connectors 34 are not readily seen. It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial benefit may still be derived if it is the side frame members 22, which show the U-shaped connectors 34 that are visible to users/passersby (see FIG. 8).

Referring to FIG. 9, the U-shaped connectors 34 may also overlap the channel 26 of the front frame member 18 and the channel 26 of the rear frame member 20. After the solar screen material 30 and locking strips 28 are pressed into the channel 26 of the front frame member 18 and the channel 26 of the rear frame member 20, U-shaped connectors 34 may overlap the solar screen material 30 and the ends of the locking strips 28, thereby further securing the solar screen material 30 and locking strips 28 in place. Additional locking strips 28 may then be used to secure the solar screen material 30 to the side frame members 22 as well.

Referring to FIG. 10, a plurality of L-shaped connectors 32 may also be used to couple the side frame members 22 to the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20. Referring back to FIG. 4, the L-shaped connectors 32 may also be used to couple the ends 24 of a support frame member 36 to the front frame member 18 and to the rear frame member 20 (or to the side frame members 22). In one embodiment, only one L-shaped connector 32 may be used at one end 24 of the support frame member 36 and only one L-shaped connector 32 may be used at the other end 24 of the support frame member 36. As shown in FIG. 4, the L-shaped connectors 32 may be positioned so that one L-shaped connector 32 is coupled on one side of the support frame member 36 and to the front frame member 18 and another L-shaped connector 32 is coupled on the other side of the support frame member 36 and to the rear frame member 20. It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial benefit may still be derived from the use of two L-shaped connectors 32 at each end 24 of the support frame member 36, one on each side of each end 24 of the support frame member 36.

The L-shaped connectors 32 may be 90° corner supports. As shown, the L-shaped connectors 32 may be coupled at the corners where the side frame members 22 meet the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20. One side of the L-shaped connector 32 may be coupled to the bottom surface 27 of a side frame member 22 and also to the inner surface 19 of the same side frame member 22 while the other side of the L-shaped connector 32 may be coupled to the bottom surface 27 of the front frame member 18 (or the rear frame member 20) and to the inner surface 19 of the same front frame member 18 (or the same rear frame member 20). Both of the side frame members 22 are coupled to the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20 in this manner.

Referring again to FIG. 4, L-shaped connectors 32 may also be coupled at the corners where the support frame member 36 meets the front frame member 18 and the rear frame member 20 (or the side frame members 22). One side of the L-shaped connector 32 may be coupled to the bottom surface 27 of the support frame member 36 and also to the inner surface 19 of the same support frame member 22 while the other side of the L-shaped connector 32 may be coupled to the bottom surface 27 of the front frame member 18 (or the rear frame member 20) and also to the inner surface 19 of the same front frame member 18 (or rear frame member 20).

Since the solar screen material 30 is coupled to the channels 26 on the top surface 21 of the front frame member 18, the rear frame member 20, and the side frame members 22, an open space is created on the bottom surface of the frame 16 so that the L-shaped connectors 32 may be coupled to the inner surfaces 19 of each of the front frame member 18, the rear frame member 20, the side frame members 22, and the support frame member 36 without interfering with or touching the solar screen material 30. The L-shaped connectors 32 may be coupled to the bottom surface of the frame 16 so that they are not visible to the user/passersby.

The foregoing description is illustrative of particular embodiments of the application, but is not meant to be a limitation upon the practice thereof. The following claims, including all equivalents thereof, are intended to define the scope of the application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An outdoor sunshade comprising: at least one frame; a plurality of U-shaped connectors coupled only to two opposing sides of the at least one frame; a plurality of L-shaped connectors coupled to a bottom surface of the at least one frame; and material coupled to and stretched within the at least one frame.
 2. The outdoor sunshade of claim 1 wherein the at least one frame further comprises: a plurality of channels formed within a top surface of the at least one frame; and a plurality of locking strips, wherein each locking strip is adapted to engage a portion of the material and to be inserted into one of the channels, thereby securing the material within the at least one frame.
 3. The outdoor sunshade of claim 2 wherein each channel is positioned proximate an inner surface of the at least one frame.
 4. The outdoor sunshade of claim 1 wherein the at least one frame comprises: a front frame member; two side frame members; and a rear frame member, wherein one end of each side frame member is positioned perpendicularly to the front frame member and wherein another end of each side frame member is positioned perpendicularly to the rear frame member.
 5. The outdoor sunshade of claim 4 wherein each U-shaped connector is coupled at a junction where one end of one of the side frame members perpendicularly abuts one of an inner surface of the front frame member and an inner surface of the rear frame member.
 6. The outdoor sunshade assembly of claim 4 wherein one side of each L-shaped connector is coupled to a bottom surface and an inner surface of one of the side frame members and another side of the L-shaped connector is coupled to a bottom surface and an inner surface of one of the front frame member and the rear frame member.
 7. The outdoor sunshade of claim 4 wherein the at least one frame further comprises at least one support frame member positioned across a middle portion of the frame.
 8. The outdoor sunshade of claim 1 further comprising at least a second frame hingedly coupled to a first frame.
 9. An outdoor sunshade comprising: at least one frame, wherein the at least one frame comprises: a front frame member; two side frame members; a rear frame member; and at least one support frame member positioned a shortest distance across a middle portion of the at least one frame; a plurality of U-shaped connectors coupled only to two opposing sides of the at least one frame; a plurality of L-shaped connectors coupled to a bottom surface of the at least one frame; and solar screen material coupled to and stretched within the at least one frame.
 10. The outdoor sunshade of claim 9 wherein one end of each side frame member directly abuts and is positioned perpendicularly to the front frame member and wherein another end of each side frame member directly abuts and is positioned perpendicularly to the rear frame member.
 11. The outdoor sunshade of claim 9 wherein the at least one frame further comprises: a plurality of channels formed within a top surface of each of the front frame member, the two side frame members, and the rear frame member; and a plurality of locking strips, wherein each locking strip is adapted to engage a portion of the solar screen material and to be inserted into one of the channels, thereby securing the solar screen material to each of the front frame member, the two side frame members, and the rear frame member.
 12. The outdoor sunshade of claim 11 wherein each channel is positioned proximate an inner surface of each of the front frame member, the two side frame members, and the rear frame member.
 13. The outdoor sunshade of claim 10 wherein each U-shaped connector is coupled at a junction where the end of one of the side frame members perpendicularly abuts one of an inner surface of the front frame member and an inner surface of the rear frame member.
 14. The outdoor sunshade of claim 10 wherein an L-shaped connector is coupled at each corner where one of the side frame members meets one of the front frame member and the rear frame member.
 15. The outdoor sunshade of claim 9 wherein one L-shaped connector is coupled at each of two ends of the support frame member and wherein the L-shaped connectors are coupled to opposite sides of the support frame member.
 16. The outdoor sunshade of claim 9 further comprising at least a second frame hingedly coupled to a first frame.
 17. An outdoor sunshade assembly comprising: at least one sunshade, each sunshade comprising: a frame comprising: a front frame member; two side frame members; a rear frame member; and at least one support frame member positioned a shortest distance across a middle portion of the frame; wherein one end of each side frame member is positioned perpendicularly to the front frame member and wherein another end of each side frame member is positioned perpendicularly to the rear frame member; a plurality of U-shaped connectors coupled only to two opposing sides of the frame; a plurality of L-shaped connectors coupled to a bottom surface of the frame; and solar screen material coupled to and stretched within the frame; and a mounting assembly for mounting the at least one sunshade.
 18. The outdoor sunshade assembly of claim 17 wherein each sunshade further comprises: a plurality of channels formed within a top surface of the frame; and a plurality of locking strips, wherein each locking strip is adapted to engage a portion of the solar screen material and to be inserted into one of the channels, thereby securing the solar screen material within the frame.
 19. The outdoor sunshade assembly of claim 17 wherein each U-shaped connector is coupled at a junction where the end of one of the side frame members perpendicularly abuts one of an inner surface of the front frame member and an inner surface of the rear frame member.
 20. The outdoor sunshade assembly of claim 17 wherein an L-shaped connector is coupled at each corner where one of the side frame members meets one of the front frame member and the rear frame member and wherein one L-shaped connector is coupled at each of two ends of the support frame member and wherein the L-shaped connectors are coupled to opposite sides of the support frame member. 